Casper, WY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017

Project Category: Public or private transit access

Description: The Casper Area Transportation Coalition, the former transit provider for the region, aimed to provide better and safer service to bus riders traveling to and from the Hilltop Center. The bus stop serving those riders -- one of the most heavily-used in Casper -- consisted of nothing but an unprotected bench. To solve this, the Coalition erected a five-foot-by-10-foot shelter at the stop. The project also added a second bench to accommodate more riders. To cover unexpected costs, the coalition obtained a second grant from another organization to take the project over the finish line. In 2021, the City of Casper took over operation of the local bus service.

Garwood, NJ

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Public or private transit access

Description: The borough will build ADA-compliant sidewalks and ramps along a busy street leading to the sports and recreation complex. These improvements will give residents safer access to events and activities while reducing the need to walk in traffic.

Willmar, MN

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Public or private transit access

Description: Older adults and people with disabilities in rural Minnesota faced transportation barriers, limiting access to health care and community life. MMDC distributed 2,100 transit tokens and childcare passes, and introduced electric-assist tricycles at facilities to promote independence. These efforts reduced isolation, encouraged transit use and fostered intergenerational interaction. A project organizer noted that one resident has now been able to resume ridership and that she now enjoys a regained sense of independence. Stronger ties with with the community will guide future mobility planning.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.